Bronchoscopy There are many different uses of a
bronchoscopy, it is sometimes used as one step of
mesothelioma treatment. This technique allows a doctor to view a patient's airway and is an efficient way to also look at the throat, trachea, and lower airways. The instrument that is used to perform this procedure is a bronchoscope. This tool uses a light on the end of a very thin tube to view the airways. This procedure is usually performed to identify problems that could be occurring in any part of the airway, remove a foreign object that may be causing breathing difficulty and to obtain samples of cells and tissue. Like many others, there are two forms of this procedure. The first is a flexible bronchoscope. This is the most common form used because it is not necessary for the doctor to administer a general anesthesia to the patient. Also, the patient is in a better comfort zone with the doctor being able to clearly and efficiently see the person's airways. Unlike the flexible bronchoscope, a rigid bronchoscope is given with general anesthesia. The instrument used is straight and hollow, which better allows the doctor to remove larger samples of tissue from the patient and clear the airways if a foreign object is present. On top of this procedure, the doctor may dilate the airway to gain a better view of the
bronchial area. It is important for the patient not to eat 8 to 10 hours before the procedure so the doctor has a clear view of the area. Before the doctor begins, a patient may be given a mild
medication to ensure comfort during the procedure. IV fluid will be placed in the arm to allow for more fluid during the procedure. Extra oxygen may even be given through the nose to provide better breathing for the patient. This procedure is painless, and only mild pressure may be felt. One of the most severe cases of problems that are found within the
bronchial area is when the patient has bleeding or inflammation. If the bleeding is found within the lungs, it could be a possible symptom of
lung cancer or a collapsed lung. Further testing and
treatment is needed if blood is being found anywhere near the lung or bronchial area.
